Build an Indoor Water Fountain

Create a tiny natural waterfall in your living room

Enjoy the sound of bubbling water falling over rocks all year round with this miniature, plant-lined stream and waterfall. All you need is a container, a pump and some favorite beach stones.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine
:February 2009

TIME

Instant!

COMPLEXITY

Super Simple!

COST

$20 - $100

Step-by-Step

Plug the planter hole, then add rocks

1 of 2

Photo 1: Waterfall base

Place the pump in the bottom of the container with the tubing attached and the switch on. Fill around and above it with
bricks or stones.

2 of 2

Photo 2: Build falls and pond

Create a ledge with a flat stone for a mini waterfall. Adjust the flow with the valve and orient the water line until you
achieve a pleasing result. Hide the line with more stones.

Create this natural indoor water fountain
using a planter, rocks and a small
pond pump.

Plug the drain hole of a large glazed
ceramic or resin planter with plumber’s
epoxy putty. After it cures, fill the
planter with water for a day or two to
confirm that it won’t leak. Place the
planter exactly where you want it
before adding the rocks and water. It’ll
be very heavy once it’s done.

Stack bricks or stones around and
above a small pond pump (about 40
gph) to about two-thirds the depth of
the vessel. Then cut the water line to
length and add a restrictor valve.
We used a 3/8-in. PEX valve (clamp
it if the hose comes loose under
pressure). Or choose a “pinch”-type
valve, found with pond accessories at
home centers. You can change the look
and sound of the water fountain by tinkering
with the water flow rate and the
shape, size and arrangement of your stones. That’s the fun part!

Tools & Materials

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

4-in-1 screwdriver

Utility knife

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here's a list.